Dia de Los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is a holiday of Mexican origin that celebrates and commemorates those who have passed on. Rather than mourning the deaths of their loved ones Dia de Los Muertos' participants honor their lives with ceremonious feasts, altars and other religious rituals. Since its origins the holiday has spread to many parts of the world, including many US cultures who also come together to remember their dead. Bloggers across join in to celebrate this rich, cultural holiday, and so can you with these festive crafts and recipes.
One tradition commonly practiced during Dia de Los Muertos is the baking of Pan de Muertos (bread of the dead) in order to feed loved ones in the afterlife. Blogger Gabriela Lopez of Gabriela's Kitchen offers up this step-by-step recipe for pan de muertos as well stunning photography of her Dia de Los Muertos decorations.
Calavera, spanish for "skull", is the term often used to describe the festive sugar skulls and skeletons that have become the most notable symbol of the Dia de Lose Muertos celebrations. Our next two blogger ideas utilize this icon symbol in a fresh new way that make honoring our friends and family easy. Creative Kismet pairs images of the afterlife and those of this world with these colorful Day of the Dead Planters. Pot a plant in memory of a friend or loved one today using these festive planters and keep the close or leave at an altar as a sign of respect.
Perhaps, like many of us, you find yourself stuck behind a desk every Dia de Los Muertos, and can rarely find the time away from life's many obligations to celebrate this meaningful day. This next idea from Cut Out and Keep allows 9 to 5ers to subtly celebrate the holidays traditions, if only in their heart. By wearing this Sugar Skull Brooch close to your heart you can honor your friends and loved ones all day long whether you work in an office or from home.
No Dia de Los Muertos celebration would be complete without something sweet to drink or eat. These next to recipes help recognize and honor life's sweetness with their sugary flavors that are sure to sweeten your day. Buttermilk Press has stirred up this syrupy concoction known as Atole, a traditional hot beverage consisting of masa flour, milk, honey and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon.
Apple Pie, Patis & Pate bring us this succulent recipe for Calabaza en Tacha or "candied pumpkin". Guava fruit also lend their exotic flavors to this traditional dish, making it bold in taste and irresistible to party-goers of all ages.
